Reply by David Craig

I like Wood magazine because they have a pretty good variety of projects with detailed plans and will include a section that introduces a new skill or technique that is critical to their central project. What I don’t like about Wood is that similar projects will resurface rather frequently over a long period of time. Not so frequent as to make the subscription a waste, but often enough that it does get noticed.

Woodsmith will have less projects per issue than Wood but the projects do have a bit more complexity and you really can’t beat the detail that is in their step by step graphical breakdown of the construction of the projects. They rely less on photographing a project and focus more on graphical illustration which really makes following the process much easier. One of the best ones to have in my opinion.

Fine Woodworking has some awesome articles but there is less hand holding when it comes to the steps required to make their projects. I think their articles are brilliant but I believe some of their projects might be overwhelming for someone at a beginner to intermediate skill level.

and, just a side note, while you may be a power tool junkie, I guarantee that hand tools will start finding their way into your work. Hold onto those articles regarding chisels and hand planes because they will sneak their way in there, trust me on that :)

David

-- There is little that is simple when it comes to making a simple box.